Saturday, 28 January 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
The prolonged work-from-home which has become popular since the Covid-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the mental well-being of people. According to experts, the shift to remote work has disrupted people’s daily routines, consequently affecting their mental health. To mitigate the negative effects of working from home, individuals should prioritise taking breaks during work hours and engage in physical activities whenever possible, the experts said.
“Working from home, which has become the new norm, has undeniably had an impact on the mental health of individuals. The implementation of long-term remote work has been prompted by the Covid-19 pandemic. This has limited the contact of individuals with society and the lack of communication can hinder their ability to share their thoughts and ultimately affect their mental well-being,” neuropsychologist Dr Sona Kaushal Gupta said.
She further emphasised that working from home can disrupt sleep patterns which can lead to hormonal imbalances. She has observed that frustration, anxiety, stress and depression are common issues among individuals who work remotely. To minimise these effects, individuals should take regular breaks of 15 to 20 minutes during their workday and actively engage in physical activities whenever possible, she added.
Further, clinical psychologist Dr Pratibha Sharma said that the new working style has resulted in individuals feeling lethargic and disturbed in their day-to-day routine. Social gatherings have become limited, which has increased the stress levels of people who opt to work from home. Anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, depression and decreased confidence are some of the consequences of working from home. “Due to the new working routine since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, 60 per cent of people are suffering from mental health problems, which ultimately lead to adverse effects. To prevent these issues, I would suggest changing the work-from-home pattern. Further, individuals should increase their physical activities and take breaks from their working hours,” Sharma said.
